Line movement: Miami opened between -1.5 and -2 at most shops, but the number has inched up to the 2.5 range by Friday. The LVH, in fact, was dealing -3 (even). The total has bounced between 44.5 and 45, after being bought up from opening prices as low as 43.5

History and trends: The Dolphins are 1-10 against the spread in their last 11 home games in September, a streak that dates back to 2006.

Thirteen of Miami’s last 16 games as a favorite have stayed UNDER the total.

These two teams have not met since 2009, a 19-7 Falcons win.

Falcons outlook: Five starters left Sunday’s win over the St. Louis Rams, and the injuries took a toll in the second half, especially on the defensive side of the ball. But Matt Ryan led two clutch fourth-quarter drives to help the Falcons avoid an 0-2 start. Atlanta struggled to run the football without Jackson, who was lost early in the first quarter. That puts a lot of pressure on Ryan, but he appears capable of handling it. Having a dynamic weapon in WR Julio Jones certainly doesn’t hurt.

Dolphins outlook: Miami has struggled keeping Tannehill upright. The Dolphins have allowed nine sacks in two games. But Atlanta’s pass rush didn’t sack Sam Bradford last week and will be without two of its top pass rushers. Offseason pickups LB Dannell Ellerbe and safety Philip Wheeler have bolstered an improved defense that sacked Colts’ QB Andrew Luck three times. WR Mike Wallace is coming off his best game of the young season.

Key Falcons injuries: Starting DE Kroy Biermann and FB Bradie Ewing were lost of the season with injuries suffered against the Rams. Jackson and Weatherspoon also are out against the Dolphins, and starting corner Asante Samuel (thigh) and starting DE Cliff Matthews (neck) are questionable.

Key Dolphins injuries: Safety Chris Clemons was held out of Tuesday’s practice with an undisclosed injury. Corners Dimitri Patterson (groin), Jamar Taylor (hernia) and Will Davis (toe) returned to practice, after missing the game against the Colts. DT Paul Soliai (knee) is listed as doubtful and did not practice Tuesday.

Weather: 87 degrees with 21 percent chance of thunderstorms.Check out wunderground.com for an updated forecast.

The Linemakers' lean: We respect the Dolphins defense and think this game will flow with their style to keep it UNDER 44.5 points. However, when it comes to the spread, where Miami is favored by 2.5-points, there really isn’t too much to think about simply because of our ratings. We have the Falcons 4 points better than the Dolphins, and that’s including Miami’s 1.5-point home field edge, one of the lowest home edges in the NFL. Yes, the Dolphins are 2-0 and have covered both games, but they don’t get elevated more quickly than an elite team based on wins over the Browns and Colts.

The spread on Sunday’s game is basically saying Miami is a 1-point favorite on a neutral field, which, to us, is ridiculous. We’re going with Atlanta and UNDER.